GEORGETOWN, Texas — The Georgetown City Council has approved a $1.3 billion budget for next year and set the lowest property tax rate in the Austin metro area for cities with populations over 20,000.

The tax rate will now be 35.3 cents per $100 of property value. But rising property values mean the average tax bill will still go up about $14.

Utility rates are also increasing, and water bills will rise about $13 per month for residential customers. Electric bills will go up about $2.40 per month, while solid waste rates will go up about $1 a month.

The rate is below the voter-approval rate set by the state, and no election will be required.

The budget adds 70 new city positions, including 21 for police and fire departments.

“In the coming fiscal year, residents will see continued inve

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